Daniel Day-Lewis cast as Abraham Lincoln in Spielberg biopic

It has been announced that Daniel Day-Lewis will take on the role of Abraham Lincoln in the Steven Spielberg biopic of the 16th American president.

Spielberg acquired the rights to the best-selling Lincoln biography, Team of Rivals, written by Doris Kearns Goodwin, way back in 2001. He then went on to announce that Liam Neeson would be taking on the leading role, with Neeson himself stating that he had undertaken extensive research in preparation for the part.

Sally Field, who you’ll recognise from the likes of Mrs Doubtfire and Forest Gump, was later cast in the role of Mary Todd Lincoln. John Logan, Paul Webb and Tony Kushner worked on the Lincoln script, which reportedly focuses on conflicts among Lincoln’s cabinet during the abolition of slavery and the American Civil War.

However, back in July of this year, this slow-moving project was further delayed when Neeson revealed that he would no longer be starring in the film, and stated that he was “too old to play the former commander-in-chief”.

Thankfully, it appears that Spielberg has found a replacement for the leading role, with Gangs of New Yorkactor, Daniel Day-Lewis. Known for his commitment to his roles and award-winning performances, Day-Lewis is clearly a keen choice for Spielberg, who has released a statement saying he was “grateful and inspired that [their] paths will finally cross with Lincoln.”